Resources for someone who is undocumented and uninsured?

Hi Outfield,

I feel bad for that grandmother who is suffering in silence. Depending on the location, I think there are hospitals with 'charity care' for cancer patients and survivors. She needs to check in her town, maybe someone can make a few phone calls to the local hospitals. As far as I know, immigration status doesn't matter at the hospitals (I may be wrong about this).

She needs to get help for lymphedema ASAP - I have it and I know it can be painful and progressive without treatment.

It's so nice of you to step in and seek help for a stranger.

Outfield, my experience with several really good LE therapists is that they're also generous with their time and talent. Can you make a few calls and see if you can find a therapist who will come for a house call--er, church call! Is your congregation in a position to pay her/him? If so, that can be part of the offer you make, but it's hard to imagine that in this situation a responsible LE therapist would not be able to give you the assistance you need. It is certainly not illegal for her to visit someone in sanctuary at your church, so there's no risk to her/him. Since you're knowledgeable yourself about LE, if you can be there with the therapist she can show you what you need to do to offer continued care.

When you call around, remember you're offering therapists a privilege, not begging for a favor. This is not a political situation, it's simply a human one, and since sanctuary generally means this grandmother is unable to leave the church, a personal visit is all that's possible. Great opportunity!

Please greet our fellow lympher "abuela" for us. Hugs, prayers,
Binney